Friday, February 07, 2014

Treesurv at the North Gasherbrum Glacier

K2 Base Camp & Gasherbrum Base Camp 2013

September 2013- Paul was on a 38 day expedition to the Gasherbrum Glacier where this picture was taken and then on to the K2 Base camp, the same camp used as Younghusband in 1887 and then Shipton in 1937.

Work in Progress

Native planting used to screen new development.

Our latest planting project is a great opportunity to establish some pockets of native woodland with all the benifits that that brings and at the same time be utilised to screen a new farm development.

We have however intermixed a few Norway Spruce into this planting scheme to act as a nurse to help the main body of the planting establish. The Norway Spruce can then be removed once the other trees are large enough, this will allow more room for the remaining trees and create some 'natural' clearings.

This planting season has so far been a lot easier than last year; At this time last year we were having to make a daily expedition in the Argo to Lochanburn (Corehead). This year however so far we have been working on lower ground where we have the luxury of being able to park the vehicles right next to the planting areas. A recent trip to Lochanburn has revealed that the Bothy did not survive the gales before Christmas, the winds at that altitude on exposed ground must have been well in excess of 100 mph. A rebuild seems like a good excuse for a weekends camping in native woodland during the warmer weather!

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Beech infected with Meripilus Giganteus

Giant Polypore, Meripilus giganteus

Aswell as structural damage (loss of co-leader) some years ago this Beech tree had been infected by Giant Polypore, Meripilus giganteus.

This parasitic fungi can cause extensive internal damage before any external evidence of presence can be seen. It infects and grows on the roots and the trunk base of the host broadleaf, particularly Beech. Infection occurs via wounded or damaged tissue, the fungi establishes on deadwood before attacking the tree's living tissue. The first evidence of infection can be crown dieback or defoliation (as in this case). Bracket like fruiting bodies are produced in late summer or autumn at the base of the stem or from the ground immediately above any infected roots.

With this tree an infection had been confirmed by the presence of fruiting bodies late last summer and felling was considered a requirement as the tree is located in a public access area and as decay progresses the tree weakens and the root anchorage fails.